a big journey of small moments
Cat lived in a big, hectic city and craved peace. His friend Rat told him that there was a single ancient pine tree in a forest far away, and anyone who sits in its branches would find peace and understanding. Cat knew that was what he’d been looking for and headed out immediately on his journey.
On this journey, Cat comes up against many challenges and meets many other animals who are also searching. The Cat shares his wisdom and experiences with those he meets. He finds shelter in a cave with a Hare, and they talk about finding good company. And when the Hare points out that he is alone, the Cat reminds him that he still has himself and can make himself a good companion, showing himself the kindness he is looking for.
The Cat continues on its journey, meeting more friends and doing a little learning and a little teaching. He meets a Crow who has lost his shiny trinket and tells a story about finding the good in a painful event. He meets a Wolf Cub and is reminded of the importance of listening. He meets a Tortoise and is reminded to make the most of each moment. He meets a Tiger and reminds him that competition can steal your joy.
As the Cat makes his way to the forest, he has to walk through rain and cold, sometimes with a friend and often alone, but finally he can see the tree that Rat had told him about. Peace and understanding was within his reach. But before he could climb up into those waiting branches, Cat had to get through one last obstacle to find what he had been needing all along.
James Norbury is an artist and author as well as a foster parent to abused cats, helping them find forever homes in Wales, where he lives with his wife and their seven cats. As passionate as he is about animals, he is equally interested in sharing the Buddhist principles he has learned and tries to live. The Cat Who Taught Zen is him bringing all of his favorite things together into a story that teaches kindness, patience, awareness, balance, and compassion.
While the story here is lovely, a gentle reminder to be kinder and more attentive, it’s a little overshadowed by the stunning artwork that accompanies it. Many of the paintings were created using a traditional East Asian technique of sumi-e, a spontaneous and intuitive painting style that adds drama and depth to the watercolors and pen-and-ink drawings that add so much texture to these stories.
The Cat Who Taught Zen is a beautiful reminder of how to live a calmer, warmer, more fulfilling life. Those who practice Buddhism or are interested in learning about it may recognize some of the stories or the lessons, but you don’t have to be interested in Buddhism to be searching for peace and connection. These stories are also about the things that make us all human, the challenges we all face, the ways we all get a little lost in being busy, being first, being important. These gentle reminders are particularly poignant during the holiday season, when everything seems a little extra chaotic, so this would be an ideal gift to give to someone (or even yourself) to remember to stop and play with the kitten. This book is truly beautiful in every way.
A copy of The Cat Who Taught Zen was provided by William Morrow, with many thanks.
